Karnataka pushes for scientific, transparent system to protect sugarcane farmers

Even as sugarcane growers launched a protest on Tuesday, Sugar and Textiles Minister Rudrappa Lamani said Karnataka is moving to establish a scientific and transparent system to ensure fair returns for sugarcane farmers by addressing key issues surrounding cane weight, sugar recovery, harvesting schedules and payment practices.

Following a high-level meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi, the State will conduct a regional study on optimal harvesting periods and recovery levels. The findings will be submitted to a proposed joint high-level committee comprising representatives of Karnataka, Maharashtra, the Centre, sugar mills, agricultural scientists and farmers’ groups.

“We need a scientific assessment of when sugarcane should be harvested so that farmers get maximum weight and recovery. Harvesting practices must not erode growers’ income,” Mr. Lamani said.

Supervised weighbridges

Responding to widespread complaints of weighing discrepancies at sugar factories, the State is evaluating independent, government-supervised weighbridges in critical areas.

“Not even a kilogram of cane should be unfairly unaccounted for. Farmers must have total confidence in the process,” the Minister said, adding that he would consult the Chief Minister to finalise the mechanism.

The State also plans to push for clearer calculations regarding recovery rates and post-harvest wastage deductions. While Karnataka already has legal provisions for an Additional Sugarcane Price above the Centre’s Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP), the government is reviewing State Advised Price (SAP) and alternative regional pricing models to secure more predictable returns.